Photo Credit: Paradise Pictures
Long-dormant documentary ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ is finally getting a theatrical release. The documentary-style concert film follows these British rock greats and last premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021.
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the film for North American release, with the documentary planned to have a run in theaters. The film tells the story of Led Zeppelin in the members’ own words, featuring interviews with jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones—plus unreleased videos with the late John Bonham. It also includes newly unearthed archival footage of all four members, including home movies and family photos.
Some unseen footage of concerts at the Fillmore West, the Atlanta Pop Festival, and the Texas Pop Festival all recorded in 1969 has also been included.
“When I saw the early cut of the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, it was amazing,” Jimmy Page said in a statement. “The energy of the story and the power of the music is phenomenal.”
“We have spent years designing this film to be experienced on the big screen with the best possible sound,” adds Bernard MacMahon, the film’s director. Sony Pictures Classics also obtained rights of release for Latin America, Southeast Asia (except Japan), the Middle East and Benelux—so the film will eventually be released on those regions as well.
“Sony Pictures Classics are the perfect partners because they are true believers in the theatrical experience and are passionate about giving the millions of Led Zeppelin fans a chance to see and hear them on the greatest screens and sound systems in the world,” MacMahon continues.
The film is written my MacMahon and producer Allison McGourty. The production company is Paradise Pictures in association with Big Beach, with a list of executive producers that include Michael Clark, Alex Turtletaub, Duke Erikson, Cynthia Heusing, David Kistenbroker, Simon Moran, and Ged Doherty. Dan Gitlin edited the film, Nick Bergh did the re-recording mix, and the film’s sound restoration was handled by Peter Henderson.
